The Ultimate Packing List for the Camino

Packing List – Introduction

In the weeks and months leading up to your Camino, all you can do to prepare is build up your fitness and make sure your packing list is complete. We’ve compiled an extensive list of everything you need for a perfect Camino de Santiago. This list has a lot in common with any packing list for an extended hike so feel free to share with anyone planning an adventure!

Backpack/Rucksack

You can’t have a packing list without a pack! It is really important to choose the right backpack. Remember, you need to consider:

Size

Shape

Straps

The size for many packs are given in Liters. For a Summer Camino, you don’t need any more than 30L, and I’ve seen some people with as little as 20L. Taking a pack that is small will force you to pack light, and you’ll thank yourself 3 or 4 days into the Camino. As for shape, watch out for bags that allow air circulation in between your back and the pack itself to prevent you from getting too sweaty. If you are travelling in a cheap intra-euro flight that charges extra for check-in baggage, choose a pack that can squeeze down to fit into cabin and just carry your jacket in your hand. Finally, you want to ensure the straps are a good fit, and will allow you to hold as much of the weight of the backpack as possible on your hips rather than on your shoulders.

Clothes

Fleece. In summer just a light one for the evenings, and in winter again it must be quick drying.

2 tshirts

2 pairs of walking/hiking socks. You can get special ones that are designed to minimize blisters.

A rain jacket or waterproof poncho. They may be expensive, but those 2-in-1 rain jackets with attachable fleece are really useful. Together with a fleece this is probably the biggest item in your packing list.

2 or 3 changes of underwear

Walking Apparatus

Walking Pole

Many people just have a single walking pole, though some go with two. You can buy in advance cheaply from an outdoors shop but also along the way too.

Footwear

Even more than getting a nicely fitting backpack, your choice of footwear is the most important thing to get right. If your boots don’t fit well, then you’ll risk pain, blisters, and lack of support on rocky hill climbs and descents.

Note that in the more pleasant months you can get away with good sneakers/trainers rather than a walking boot. This is a trade off of comfort against ankle support.

Also, bring sandals/flip-flops to wear in the evenings when you finish walking. Your feet need a rest!

Technical Devices & Communication

Mobile/Cell Phone

You have a choice to make here. Either:

Go for a smart phone that saves you from needing to carry a camera, music player, allows you to skype/whatsapp home, download walking instructions.

Go for an old phone that has a battery that lasts 4/5 days and allows you to experience peace and disconnect from the outside world and your Facebook updates!

Either way, you’ll need both the phone and the charger. If your phone charges via a standard USB, then instead of bringing your home countries USB->Power adapter and buying a Spanish power converter, you can just buy a USB->Spanish Power adapter. They are smaller than some countries power adapters anyway (UK!).

Other Technical Devices

Torch, or:

A headlamp/headband with light attached. This frees up your hands to carry the walking pole in one and water bottle or map in another.

A camera and charger, if your phone is not enough

A phone charging pack, you can recharge the pack in the night and keep it for emergencies the next day. This is essential if you are using a smartphone for music and photos. You can get a pack that will last you the whole day for around £10-15 ($15-$25)

MP3/music player

Headphones

Ebook reader

Power converter/adapter

Sun Protection

Sun cream/ Sun screen. Best to be safe with a higher than necessary factor. Even if you don’t plan to walk much during the peak sunshine hours you can’t tell when you’ll get lost of run off plan… It’s not worth the risk of walking with a bad burn the next day!

Sun hat/cap

Sunglasses. Don’t buy the cheap fake ones as these often have very poor actual sun protection and are just tinted to look the part.

Specific to the Camino de Santiago

A shell to adorn your pack

A rock. You’ll carry it along your way and drop it at the Cruz de Hierro.

Map/Route guide to the Camino

Toiletries

Small toothpaste

Floss

Travel toothbrush

Shower gel/shampoo all-in-one

Sports/hiking towel – one of those small, light ones that absorb water easily and dry quickly

Other toiletries

Other

A sleeping bag in the colder months, or just a silk sleeping bag liner for the warmest summer months.

Earplugs for the night. A tip for this when searching on Amazon or similar is to check for those that musicians use – these are often the most efficient.

Book/reading material if you want so alone time, you can exchange this in some places once you finish.

Wallet, better if waterproof

Passport/ID

EHIC (European Health Insurance) for EU residents or some proof of medical insurance for non-EU

Spare credit/bank card

Spare Euros for emergencies

Soap/detergent for hand washing clothes

Health/first aid kit

Blister protection/treatment. Compeed is an amazing brand that works wonders on blisters.

Chapstick/moisturiser

Bug spray. Bed bugs, mosquitoes and other insects will cause you problems along the way.

Swimwear, there’s a few chances to use it, if it’s a nice day it’s worth it!

A small knife/scissors for dealing with blisters or opening things.

A lock for your pack, for peace of mind as you fall asleep in a crowded dorm